Head Lifeguard

Are you an experienced lifeguard ready to take the lead this summer? New Hanover County is looking for one Head Lifeguard to join the Parks and Gardens Department. This leadership role is perfect for someone passionate about water safety who thrives in a fast-paced team environment.

As the Head Lifeguard, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our facility guests by promptly responding to emergencies. Additionally, you will contribute to recruiting, training, and supervising lifeguard staff while also assisting with overseeing the management of aquatics programming and facilities.

Responsibilities for this role include:

• Serve as a lifeguard during hours of operation, maintaining constant surveillance of assigned pool area. Assist in communicating emergency situations outside of assigned area.
• Communicate and enforce all facility policies, rules and regulations.
• Recognize and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Perform first aid when necessary and complete appropriate incident/accident reports.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and concerns, and provide pool information as needed.
• Inspect the aquatic facility on a daily schedule and report unsafe conditions and equipment to supervisor.
• Complete daily checklists and reports regarding the following: attendance, water chemistry, incidents and accidents.
• Assist with staff meetings and in-service training and maintain records of content and participation.
• Assist with ensuring lifeguards are properly scanning pool at all times.
• Assist with new lifeguard staff orientation.
• Assist with ensuring current lifeguard certifications are maintained.
• Assist Pool Coordinator in overseeing and maintaining facilities, equipment and supplies.
• Assist Pool Coordinator in planning and implementing aquatics programs.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain reliable attendance and arrive on time for all scheduled shifts.

Required Education and Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Lifeguard Certification required
• Minimum of two (2) years lifeguarding experience or relevant staff management experience
• Must present a professional, mature image and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to maintain constant focus and 100% alertness while on duty in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, including in an elevated lifeguard chair.
• Observe and monitor all pool areas using sight and hearing to recognize and quickly respond to distress signals.
• Communicate clearly with all guests and staff, including the ability to project your voice across a loud or busy pool area.
• Use critical thinking to solve problems and make quick, sound decisions under pressure.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies, including performing water rescues, resuscitation, and other lifesaving techniques.
• Regularly perform activities such as walking, standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, climbing, stooping, and crouching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and push or pull up to 100 lbs (including moving equipment or assisting in rescues).

Applicant Information:
After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.